Indians acquire Aviles, Gomes for Rogers

The Indians have acquired shortstop Mike Aviles and corner infielder Yan Gomes from the Blue Jays in exchange for pitcher Esmil Rogers.

Rogers posted a 3.06 ERA in 53 relief innings for Cleveland in 2012. He was acquired by the Indians in June after being designated for assignment by Colorado in the Spring. He will remain under team control through the 2016 season.

Aviles was recently acquired by the Blue Jays as the compensation for the John Farrell signing. He hit .250 with 13 home runs for the Red Sox last year, and will remain under team control through the 2014 season.

Gomes hit .204 with 4 home runs in 111 plate appearances for Toronto in 2012. He spent most of the season in Triple-A, hitting .328 in 335 plate appearances. He has experience at both corner infield spots and as a backstop. He will remain under team control through the 2018 season.

Analysis: I don't mind this trade for both clubs. It's definitely a creative trade to say the least. Rogers is expendable because the Indians' bullpen is one of the best in the game, and he will certainly make an impact with Toronto. The guy throws so hard and could be a great setup man or even closer for them in the future. As for Aviles, he will probably just back up Asdrubal Cabrera now or play third base. I'm sure he has experience at the hot corner, and will definitely find playing time. Gomes is a good prospect to have, but I can't quite project how he fits with that Indians club. Perhaps they could flip him in another trade-possibly for pitching.

Blue Jays exercise Oliver's option, decline Davis' but re-sign him

The Blue Jays have announced that they have exercised their 2013 club option for pitcher Darren Oliver, and declined Rajai Davis' 2013 option, but re-signed him to a one year deal worth $2.5 million.

Oliver posted a 2.06 ERA in 56 2/3 innings of relief in 2012. The 42 year old journeyman will earn $3 million next season.

Davis hit .257 with 46 stolen bases in 2012. His club option was worth $3 million, but will now earn $2.5 million.

Analysis: I like both of these moves for the Blue Jays. Oliver, despite his age, has proven to be a force in that bullpen, and will just not quit. At $3 million, I think he is worth the gamble considering that Toronto is looking to rebuild their bullpen. Davis had a very underrated season, even though his batting average was considerably low, he did have 46 stolen bases. I knew that he was fast, but I am surprised that the Blue Jays are getting his production for only $2.5 million.

Blue Jays claim Scott Maine off of waivers, DFA Cousins and Herndon

The Blue Jays have claimed pitcher Scott Maine off of waivers from the Indians. In related moves, the club has designated outfielder Scott Cousins and pitcher David Herndon for assignment.

Maine spent most of the 2012 season with the Cubs and Indians. He made 30 relief appearances, posting a 6.08 ERA in 26 2/3 innings. Cleveland claimed him off of waivers from the Cubs in August.

The Blue Jays claimed both Cousins and Herndon off of waivers in late-October. Cousins hit .167 in 92 plate appearances with the Marlins in 2012. Herndon underwent season ending Tommy John surgery in June, and will not be ready to pitch in the big leagues until the mid point of the 2013 season.

Analysis: Maine is a pretty much a left handed specialist wanna-be, considering that his minor league stats are good but he hasn't found success in the big leagues. He should get some playing time with the Blue Jays, but Darren Oliver may be the main left handed specialist for Toronto in 2013. Cousins is a fourth outfielder at best, and will probably clear waivers. Herndon has a decent track record, but is coming off a major surgery so he will probably clear waivers as well.

Brummett outrighted to Triple-A

The Blue Jays have claimed that pitcher Tyson Brummett has cleared waivers and will be outrighted to Triple-A.

Toronto claimed Brummett off of waivers from the Phillies last week, but designated him for assignment five days later. He posted a 3.20 ERA in 90 minor league innings for Philadelphia in 2012.

Analysis: Alright, well whatever. Brummett's minor league stats aren't great overall, so I didn't expect to be claimed. At age 28, it seems like his production can be found pretty much anywhere, so he is obviously not that appealing to other teams.

Pirates claim Chad Beck

The Pirates have claimed pitcher Chad Beck off of waivers from the Blue Jays. Toronto designated Beck for assignment earlier in the week to create 40 man roster space for Bobby Wilson.

Beck spent most of the 2012 season in Triple-A, posting a 1.31 ERA in 48 relief innings.

Analysis: Beck had a great season in the minor leagues and I think this is a decent pick-up. I had a feeling that he would get claimed based on his minor league track record, and I would imagine that that is what Pittsburgh sees in him. The Pirates' bullpen is already strong as it is, so Beck will probably have to fight for a roster spot next spring. 

Blue Jays designate Brummett for assignment

The Blue Jays have announced that they have designated pitcher Tyson Brummett for assignment to create roster space for David Herndon, who was recently claimed off of waivers from Philadelphia.

Brummett spent most of the 2012 season in the upper levels of the minor leagues, posting a combined 3.20 ERA in 90 innings pitched. He spent most of the year in Double-A and Triple-A, and served as a relief pitcher during 36 of his 44 appearances.

Analysis: Tyson did you enjoy your five days with Toronto? I'm sure you'll be forgotten very quickly. On the brighter note, Brummett MIGHT get claimed, since his minor league numbers aren't terrible.

Blue Jays claim David Herndon

The Blue Jays have claimed pitcher David Herndon off of waivers from the Phillies. Herndon underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery in June, meaning that he will definitely miss a chunk of the 2013 season.

Herndon played well with Philadelphia in 2011, posting a 3.32 ERA in 45 appearances. He appeared in five games in 2012 before being placed on the disabled list in April.

Analysis:  The Blue Jays seem to be going out and claiming basically everyone on the waiver wire. Herndon is a decent relief pitcher who caught a bad break with the Tommy John surgery. I've always liked his pitches, and I'm sure that the Phillies aren't thrilled to see him go. However, we'll see how he does in the American League, especially when coming off of a major surgery.

Blue Jays designate Beck for assignment

The Blue Jays have announced that they have designated pitcher Chad Beck for assignment to create roster space for Bobby Wilson, who was recently claimed off of waivers from the Angels.

Beck spent most of the 2012 season in Triple-A, posting a 1.31 ERA in 48 relief innings. He originally joined Toronto's organization in 2008 as part of the David Eckstein trade.

Analysis: Beck's Triple-A numbers look really solid, but he hasn't really gotten a chance to prove himself at the big league level. I wouldn't be surprised to see a team claim him, but since players often, or in this case; not often, translate their minor league numbers to the big leagues, I can also understand if he clears waivers.

Blue Jays claim Bobby Wilson

The Blue Jays have claimed catcher Bobby Wilson off of waivers from the Angels. Toronto's 40 man roster is now full.

Wilson hit .211 in 201 plate appearances for Los Angeles in 2012, and prevented 29% of stolen base attempts. He will be arbitration eligible for the first time this winter and would have probably gotten non-tendered if he stayed with the Angels.

Analysis: This is actually a very interesting move. The Jays have been very active on the waiver wire recently, and adding Wilson could mean that a trade involving Travis D'Arnaud or J.P. Arencibia could be in the works. Wilson is a decent defensive catcher but cannot hit at all. He is similar to Jeff Mathis, yet another ex-Angel who was acquired earlier in the year. I wouldn't be heartbroken by any means if you are an Angels fan because Hank Conger can now back up Chris Iannetta and finally get some decent playing time.

Red Sox hire John Farrell

The Red Sox have announced that they have hired John Farrell as their new manager, and his contract with be a three year deal that will keep him in Boston through the 2015 season. As compensation to the Blue Jays, the Red Sox have traded shortstop Mike Aviles to Toronto in exchange for pitcher David Carpenter.

The Red Sox confirmed in a press release that they received permission from the Blue Jays to talk directly to Farrell. Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos said that Farrell talked to him a week after the season ended and said that if the opportunity to manage in Boston came up, he wanted to pursue it, calling it his dream job.

"I'm extremely excited to be returning to the Red Sox and to Boston," said Farrell, who was previously Boston's pitching coach, "I love this organization. It's a great franchise in a special city and region, with great fans, and we want nothing more than to reward their faith in us."

As for Aviles, he saw a reduced role in 2012 due to the emergence of top prospect Jose Iglesias. He hit .250 with 13 homers during the 2012 season, but is a career .277 hitter during five big league seasons with the Royals and Red Sox. Aviles will be arbitration eligible this winter and is set to become a free agent after the 2014 season.

Carpenter was previously traded to Toronto in the ten-player deal this summer that involved Brandon Lyon and J.A. Happ. He appeared in 33 games with Houston and Toronto in 2012, posting an 8.07 ERA. He also posted a 3.08 ERA in 23 Triple-A appearances as well.

Analysis: Wow this is a lot to take it. Farrell's name has been linked to the Red Sox over the past few weeks, so it isn't surprising that they hired him. Three years is quite a commitment, so they obviously liked what he did when he was their pitching coach a few years ago. As for the Blue Jays, I guess getting something out of Farrell is good, considering that his contract was set to expire after the 2013 season. Aviles is a nice player but a backup at best. Perhaps this means that Yunel Escobar could be traded and Aviles could slide in as the everyday shortstop, but it is too early to speculate on that. Carpenter is a decent relief pitcher, but had a rough 2012 season in the majors probably due to the tough hitters in the American League. I like the addition though, because he has some upside and Boston is looking to rebuild their bullpen.

Blue Jays claim Tyson Brummett

The Blue Jays have announced that they have claimed pitcher Tyson Brummett off of waivers from the Phillies. Toronto's 40 man roster is now full after claiming Brummett, Cory Wade and Scott Cousins.

Brummet spent most of the 2012 season in the minor leagues, posting a 3.20 ERA in 90 innings as both a starter and relief pitcher.

Analysis: The Blue Jays are being really active on the waiver wire lately, and I have no idea what they see in Brummett. I mean, the guy is ALRIGHT, but it has taken him 4 years to get to the majors, and his minor league numbers are just decent. I don't see this move impacting the Blue Jays in any major way.

Blue Jays claim Wade off of waivers

The Blue Jays have claimed relief pitcher Cory Wade off of waivers from the Yankees. New York designated him for assignment last week.

Wade has appeared in 79 games with the Yankees over the last two years, posting a combined 4.23 ERA during that time. He will be eligible for arbitration for the first time this off-season.

Analysis: Wade had a great 2011 season but really struggled in 2012 and the Yankees made him expendable when they designated him for assignment last week. He is an ideal reclamation project now that team's know what he is capable of doing. The Blue Jays are a great fit because they are looking to rebuild their bullpen and is Wade re-discovers himself, he could be a force in that bullpen.

Blue Jays claim Scott Cousins

The Blue Jays have claimed outfielder Scott Cousins off of waivers from the Marlins.

Cousins hit .163 in 92 plate appearances with Miami in 2012. He has experience at all three outfield spots and is a career .288 hitter at the Triple-A level.

Analysis: Cousins is really a fourth outfielder at best, considering that the man just cannot hit at the major league level. He is a good defensive outfielder, and I'm sure that he'll make the team next season, and if he finds a way to translate his minor league numbers to the big leagues, then this will be a decent pickup.

2 Blue Jays players elect free agency

The Blue Jays have announced that pitcher's Jim Hoey (pictured) and Robert Coello have refused their outright assignments and will become free agents.

Coello was outrighted off of the 40 man roster a few days ago. He appeared in 19 games at the Triple-A level in 2012, posting a 3.00 ERA in 42 relief innings. Hoey spent the entire year in Triple-A, posting a 4.60 ERA in 60 2/3 innings.

Analysis: Both of these players aren't really anything special. Hoey's numbers aren't great, and isn't going to be missed. Coello's Triple-A numbers are decent, but it is a small sample size and the Blue Jays probably won't miss him either.

Litsch elects free agency

The Blue Jays have announced that Jesse Litsch has cleared waivers and has rejected his outright assignment o the minor leagues. Toronto activated Litsch from the 60 day disabled list earlier today.

Litsch missed the entire 2012 season due to several injuries. He threw 75 relief innings in 2011, posting a 4.44 ERA.

Analysis: Litsch had a few good years with Toronto when he first came up and I thought that he would be an ideal setup man and/or long relief man for them. However injuries, some that were actually "career threatening", have completely screwed up his career. I wouldn't be surprised if he latches on with another team on a minor league deal, because we know that he is a decent pitcher when healthy.

Coello outrighted to Triple-A

The Blue Jays announced that pitcher Robert Coello has been reinstated from the 60 day disabled list and will be outrighted to Triple-A.

Coello appeared in six games with Toronto in June, but missed the remainder of the season due to elbow inflammation. He also appeared in 19 games at Triple-A, posting a 3.00 ERA in 42 relief innings.

Analysis: Eh. Coello isn't anything special and this isn't surprising. No big deal here.

Blue Jays outright three players to Triple-A

The Blue Jays have outrighted pitchers Aaron Laffey (pictured), Shawn Hill and Bobby Korecky to Triple-A, thus removing them off the 40 man roster.

Laffey would have been arbitration eligible this off-season and both Hill and Korecky had brief stints with Toronto during the 2012 season.

Analysis: All three players aren't really special so I'm not surprised that they did this. Actually this is really good because now Toronto has three open spots on their roster, and that could mean that a signing or trade could be in the works.

Blue Jays plan to upgrade roster this off-season

The Blue Jays' front office is planning on shopping aggressively for upgrades this off-season. The team will look at players in the starting rotation, second base, and in left field.

Toronto is unlikely to re-sign Kelly Johnson, due to the fact that the 30 year old has had a bad season. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports believes that Yunel Escobar, who recently was suspended 3 games for putting a homophobic slur on his eye black, is a "goner."

Analysis: This is very good news if you are a Blue Jays fan. They desperately need to upgrade their roster to catch up to the other team's in the AL East, and getting rid of Johnson and Escobar is a start. Johnson is a decent option at second base, but can certainly be upgraded, and I'm excited to see what GM Alex Anthopoulos does to upgrade that position. Escobar is definitely going to get traded, not only because of his attitude, but because the Jays have some younger players coming up at that position. As for the rest of the team, the offense is solid, but the team should definitely consider a big move to bring in a big time pitcher. There will be a lot of pitchers available, and I wonder if Toronto would be willing to part with some of their talent in the catching department, such as Arencibia or D'Arnaud, in order to facilitate a deal.

Brewers acquire Yorvit Torrealba

The Brewers have acquired catcher Yorvit Torrealba from the Blue Jays in exchange for a player to be named later. Torrealba will be in a Brewers uniform tomorrow.

Torrealba appeared in ten games for Toronto after the Jays signed him to a minor league deal last month. He has had a total of 212 plate appearances with Texas and Toronto this season, and has combined to hit .233. He will join catchers Jonathan Lucroy and Martin Maldonado on Milwaukee's roster.

Analysis: I like this move from a Brewers' standpoint. Torrealba didn't need to be with the Blue Jays anymore because J.P. Arencibia was coming off of the disabled list. Torrealba isn't an All-Star by any means, but he provides a veteran presence that could possibly help Lucroy develop in the final two weeks or so of the season.

Escobar suspended 3 games

The Blue Jays announced that shortstop Yunel Escobar has been suspended for 3 games after he put a gay slur on his eye black during Monday's game.

The eye-black had "tu ere maricon" written on it. The message can be translated to "you are a faggot", even though a Spanish interpreter told the Toronto Star that the message can be interpreted in a few different ways.

Analysis: Well we all know that Escobar has a bit of an attitude and I believe that the Jays are going to deal him this winter knowing that. They also have some young talent over at shortstop, so he'll probably be dealt.